Golden Crust Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins combine the beloved flavors of traditional focaccia bread with the perfect bite-sized muffin shape. Infused with garlic and fresh rosemary, they’re ideal for anyone who loves rich, herby, and savory flavors. The golden crust adds a satisfying crunch, while the soft, pillowy interior offers a light texture. Plus, they’re easily customizable—feel free to top them with Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an added kick. Perfect for any occasion, these muffins make a delicious, quick-to-make side dish or a snack on the go!

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

• Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

• Freshly cracked black pepper

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• Chili flakes (optional)

Directions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

2. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Add the yeast mixture, olive oil, minced garlic, and rosemary. Stir until the dough begins to come together.

3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

4. Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

5. Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper muffin cups.

6. Shape the muffins: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and place each portion into a muffin tin.

7. Prepare for baking: Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the tops of each muffin, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and additional rosemary for garnish. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chili flakes for extra flavor.

8. Bake the muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and have a crisp, golden crust.

9. Cool and serve: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 muffins

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Rising Time: 1 hour

• Baking Time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

• Cheese Lover’s Muffins: Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese directly into the dough before baking for an extra cheesy bite.

• Spicy Garlic Focaccia Muffins: Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough or sprinkle on top for a spicy twist.

• Herb Blend: You can mix in other fresh herbs such as thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile.

• Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chop up some olives or sun-dried tomatoes and mix them into the dough for an extra Mediterranean touch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: These focaccia muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.

• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the muffins tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze them for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the muffins in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or until warm. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds for a quick reheat.

FAQs

How do I get the best rise from the dough?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water is warm (about 110°F), not too hot or cold. Also, ensure that the dough rises in a warm place to encourage fermentation.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic?

Yes, fresh garlic is perfect for this recipe! Simply mince it finely, and it will release all its flavors into the dough.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour, but it might make the muffins a bit denser. You can try a 50/50 blend for a healthier twist.

Can I make this recipe without the yeast?

The yeast is crucial for the fluffy texture of these muffins. However, you could try using baking powder as a substitute, though the texture will differ.

How can I prevent the muffins from sticking to the tin?

Grease the muffin tin thoroughly or line it with paper liners to make sure the muffins come out easily after baking.

How long will these muffins last?

They can last up to 2-3 days at room temperature if stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them!

Can I add other toppings to the muffins?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different toppings like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even a sprinkle of extra cheese.

Do I need to let the dough rise twice?

No, in this recipe, the dough rises once after mixing. You don’t need a second rise.

Can I make these muffins in advance?

Yes, you can make the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping it into muffins.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the yeast and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Conclusion

Golden Crust Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins offer the perfect balance of savory flavor, crispy texture, and softness. They’re easy to make and can be adapted to suit your tastes with a variety of add-ins. Whether you're serving them at a dinner party or enjoying them as a snack, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.